Eureka man's body recovered from Trinity River

Local authorities have recovered the body of a Eureka man who was swept into the Trinity River about two weeks ago close to Willow Creek in Humboldt County.

Chris George Flint, 29, got caught in the fast-moving current of the Trinity River near Salyer in Trinity County on the afternoon of June 25, according to the Trinity County Sheriff's Office. He had reportedly attempted to save his dog from the river.

The Humboldt County Coroner's Office received notification at about 6 p.m. on Saturday that Flint had been found near Big Rock, which is close to Willow Creek, said Humboldt County Coroner Dave Parris. With the help of Hoopa Tribal Police's boat, they were able to recover Flint's body at about 7:15 p.m.

Parris said a few people are killed in the river every year due to the dangerous conditions.

”The Trinity River is extremely swift this time of year,” he said.

It is likely Flint slipped when trying to get to his dog and was unable to recover, as it “happens very easily” when the river moves quickly, Parris said. The coroner's office will not likely do an autopsy, but may decide to run a toxicology test.

Chris Flint's mother, Teresa Flint, said the Arcata Lumber Center where her son had worked has helped raise funds for the funeral by holding car washes over the Independence Day weekend, raising about $600. Others also continue to donate for the service, which will be July 23 at 5 p.m.